Did You Know? Downtown Topeka

Immediately after the storm, numerous store owners in downtown Topeka stood guard in front of their businesses, many of which had broken windows and merchandise spilling into the street. The only business open was the Coffee Cup restaurant at 930 S. Kansas Ave. Owner Steve Lattyak, whose home at 3513 S.W. 30th had been about two-thirds destroyed by the tornado, was dispensing free hot coffee to soldiers and airmen guarding the area.